Nancy Sollenberger Heishman will retire on July 17 as director of the Church of the Brethren’s Ministry Office, after holding the position for almost nine years. She started as director of Ministry on Nov. 6, 2017.
Office of Ministry
Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center offers workshop on Love Feast basics
“Love Feast: Past, Present, and Future” led by Denise Kettering-Lane will be held on Friday, March 13, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (Eastern time) at Cross Keys Village in New Oxford, Pa. This free event sponsored by the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC) is in-person only. Continuing education credit is available for the fee of $10.
Traci Rabenstein to serve as Southern Pennsylvania District executive minister
The Southern Pennsylvania District of the Church of the Brethren has called Traci Rabenstein to serve as district executive minister starting April 6. She resides in Enola, Pa., from where she will serve in this fulltime role.
South/Central Indiana District announces ‘Being the Body of Christ’ initiative
As I visit congregations, people often ask me what commonalities are present in thriving churches. The three markers I have learned to name are ancient wisdom rearticulated: orientation around spiritual practices (Love of God), healthy internal relationships (Love of one another), and taking the literal needs of actual neighbors seriously (Love of neighbor). The integration of these three markers is what we are calling Being the Body of Christ.
Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church book discussion to address ‘how to lead’
How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You’re Going: Leading in a Liminal Season by Susan Beaumont is the book chosen for an upcoming online book discussion sponsored by the Church of the Brethren Ministry Office and the Part-Time Pastor; Full-Time Church program.
February Ventures course to focus on pastoral and congregational well-being
The February offering from Ventures in Christian Discipleship will be “The Ecology of Vitality: Mutuality in Pastoral and Congregational Well-Being.” Presented by John Fillmore, pastor of Nampa (Idaho) Church of the Brethren and district executive minister of the Church of the Brethren’s Idaho/Western Montana District, the course will be held online on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (central time).
Clergywomen’s Retreat registration is now open online for event in February 2025
Registration is now open for the 2025 denominational Clergywomen’s Retreat to be held Feb. 10-13, 2025, in Winter Park, Fla. This event, which takes place every five years, offers an opportunity for all licensed and credentialed clergywomen to gather for refreshment, renewal, and inspiration.
Strength for the Journey 2025: Three themes emerge
The 2025 Strength for the Journey cohorts focus on three themes: 1) Preaching, 2) Team Ministry, and 3) Pastoral Visitation and Chaplaincy. Strength for the Journey (SFTJ) provides resources for several ministry cohorts each year.
Donna Rhodes to retire from leadership of Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center
Donna Rhodes, executive director of the Susquehanna Valley Ministry Center (SVMC), has announced her retirement effective April 30, 2025. She has served SVMC since Oct. 1, 2001.
Upcoming urban ministry course takes place in Atlanta
The upcoming urban ministry course offered by a partnership of Bethany Theological Seminary, the Brethren Academy for Ministerial Leadership, and the Church of the Brethren Discipleship and Leadership Formation department, is titled “A Place of Refuge: Ministry in the Urban Context.” It takes place on Jan. 7-15, 2025, in Atlanta, Ga.
